Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Cargo Bay 2 – 12:40 hours
“Lt. Kennedy to Transporter Room One.”

/--\\\\ Transporter Room One here, Lieutenant. /--\\\\

“Proceed with the transportation of the Romulans according to plan.” Kennedy had already discussed the cloaking device with Lt. Cmdr. Jones, and they’d developed a plan for transporting the device directly to the Chief Engineer’s Office where it would be placed in a level four force field for protective custody. The Romulan Centurion had been reported as injured, so Abe had already arranged for her direct transport to sick bay. That meant that he’d be dealing with Lieutenant S’Talon I’Iuruth D’Mora, or Lieutenant Rhiana I’Ramnau Khellian. He didn’t really know for sure which of the two were in command in the centurion’s absence, but he was confident he’d find out soon enough.

When the Romulans appeared within the cluster of four cots, Lt. Kennedy was standing just outside of the force field with his feet shoulder-width apart and his hands folded neatly behind his back.

“Welcome aboard the Charon,” Kennedy’s face was non-threatening, but all business. “I apologize for the necessity of this force field, but Captain Gavison worried after your well-being, considering the circumstances. I obviously have not had the need to elaborate upon the tenuous relations between the Federation and the Romulan Empire, but it is for the continuance of this relation that Captain Gavison asks your indulgence. With the destruction of the Cerberus while you were on board, he is concerned that some of the surviving crew may have jumped to conclusions concerning your involvement, and feels it most prudent to protect you from any imagined affronts.

“Your centurion has been transported directly to sick bay, and will be returned to you once her injuries have been treated. I assure you that our chief medical officer is extremely capable, and your centurion is in the best of care.

“The cloaking device is in the protective custody of our chief of engineering, and again, I assure you that it rests behind a protective force field as well, and will not be tampered with unless it is by your team’s hands, or under your team’s direction.

“Should you need anything, I will be your liaison. My name is Lieutenant Abe Kennedy.”

The older looking Romulan male nodded to Lt. Kennedy.

“Lt. Abe....? S’Talon had started to address him as most Romulans do, even when addressing a superior, he suddenly added the officer’s last name, “Kennedy. I am Lieutenant S’Talon I’Iuruth D’Mora, Second in Command to Centurion Sienae i’Mhiessan Khnialmnae” He did not add his new last name as it might confuse the Star Fleet personnel. Now was not the time to discuss why he had been adopted by the House of Khnialmnae more importantly by her Grandfather Senator Rh'vaurek Saren Ch’Khnialmnae.

“I will convey your message to the Centurion when she is returned to us. I would also like to speak to the doctor who examined her. I understand in might take some time before he can do so, but I make the formal request for as soon as it is possible for him to come here.”

S’Talon nods and goes back to a bunk and sits on it, waiting for Sienae’s return.

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Cargo Bay 2 – 14:20 hours
The hatch opened and for the Nth time S’Talon looked up to see Sienae entering with an escort of 2 armed men. She spotted them and headed towards the shimmering field then paused and waited for it to drop long enough for her to step in. All the way to their corner S’Talon watched her, and noticed with a practiced eye that she was holding her back more naturally. Whatever they had given her, was working well, for there was no way that the damage to her back had been repaired so quickly.

Sienae turned to her guards, “Thank you for the escort.”

Many Romulan officer’s of her background would have been railing against Star Fleet for their treatment and demanding to be released, and threatening repercussions for such treatment. Sienae just quietly remaining polite, one of the first things he noticed about her when he had been training Martial Arts at the Academy. In some ways she was more like a Vulcan, being in control of her emotions. She could get angry, but she had a way of channeling her anger and was able to achieve more with it to the positive.

S’Talon rose and saluted her returns as did the two Science Officers..

Sienae spoke first, “Let us, for now, dispense with the formalities, we are all in the same position here and now.”

Sienae looked back out across the barrier of the force field and slight lift of her shoulders then he coudl hear a soft sigh as sheturned away to look at the field being raised again. . She had expect no less, quite possibly their Cerberus security team was now being debriefed.

“We were told, “ said S’Talon, “ by one Lt. Abe Kennedy, “That since a Starfleet vessel has been destroyed while Romulans were on board the barrier was raised for our protection. . He pointed out the he did not need to elaborate upon the past between our two governments. He also pointed out that there will no doubt be those among the surviving crew who will place the blame squarely on our shoulders. Captain Gavison was concerned with any further harm coming to our delegation, and so long as there's a chance that we may be harmed by any misplaced anger. He is insisting on us accepting his protective measures. If there is anything we need, feel free to contact the lieutenant."

“I doubt they have anything like the thermal mud pools at Ar’kani,” remarks Sienae

Having no table and chairs such as the Star Fleet side of the field had, and not wanting to ask for them Sienae went to an unoccupied bunk and sat of the edge of it. What fragile relationships they had built on their few days of being together on the Cerberus were shattered into such infinitesimal pieces that nothing she knew of could put it back together.

S’Talon could almost feel her worry, he had an idea what she might be worrying about but had no way right now of helping her out. The success of the mission was of great importance to her to her future as an officer in the RSN. He was quite sure that she also was worried that when Star Fleet found out about her medical condition that she would be sent back, or at least put off the ship when they got to DS9, and never have a chance to prove herself.

After the tables and chairs arrived Sienae moved over to a chair and sat upright, “S’Talon.”

He went over to the table. “Please see to it that there is some arrangement for food and water, and......natural necessities We should at least have what the others do.”

“I will see to it immediately Centurion. You should try to rest.”

“The Doctor gave me something to wake me up, I will have to wait until it wears off.” Sienae refrained from telling S’Talon about the what the doctor who had seen to her in sickbay had said to her. She was afraid of what he could do if he felt affronted by the Doctor’s bedside manner, not because the angry was aimed at Romulans in general, but because it was aimed at her. So, she kept it to herself.

Sienae could focus beyond the surface, she had understood exactly why Lt Nash had spoken to her threateningly as he did. Sienae realized she would have probably done the same thing in his place. She lifted her head and gave him a tiny smile. “I hope that the pain medication does not wear off before it does.”

S’Talon saluted her and turned to do as she had ordered. In fact it was with a more than a bit of relish at the thought of just what he would imply. He would take her words and twist them in Lt. Abe’s face if he could. It was implied that they would be treated fairly, as the Star Fleet personnel had been treated on the other side of the force field. S’Talon would make sure Lt. Abe Kennedy knew that this had not been done and they were being neglected. It would be a small victory perhaps if he was able to procure equal treatment, it would be something he could share with Centurion Sienae.

The fact that she could sit, stand, walk, and function was testimony to her tenacity and her uniqueness. He observed the drawing down of her brows, the tightness about the mouth after she returned from sick bay. She was worried, try as she might to focus away from it. He could do nothing for her condition. What he had already done was in the works, and once they reached DS9 something would be done to relieve her condition, but there was something he could do now about her worry, he owed her that much and more, and not because Sienae was now his niece, but because she had saved his life.

S’Talon nodded to the Centurion and moved closed to the force shield. He quickly noted the slightest tensing of the guards and felt the eyes that turned on him. He ignored them.

“I need to speak to Lt. Abe Kennedy,” he called out to the Star Fleet personnel seeing that the man was not in the room. He waited for the arrival of the Lt, expecting no answer, from the security guards . These new ones had not spoken a word to any Romulan, the air of disinterest plastered on their faces. He wouldn’t have minded meeting both of them on the opposite side of a sparring mat.

“Tsk,” S'Talon admonished himself with a feral smile on his bulldog-like face. That is not at all a proper way for one who now enjoys a new elevated rank and service to act. One of his former positions as a trainer of Martial Arts in the RSE Naval Academy was not so far behind him that he could not wish for a simple match of one on one with those security guards, well even two on one, it would make his victory all the more pleasant. Not that that was all there was to know about the older Lt. who had survived the debaucle of the Balak He watched over the remenant of the Romulan officers that had started this mission. They had lost two, very good men and all he had a short recording they had sent him just before things went so terribly wrong. Someone would pay, but unfortunatlely he was here and there was so little he could do here and now and time was wasting away. He hated waste.

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Captain’s Dining – 06:30 hours

Rrowl sat quietly, listening to low exchange between the two captains, when Gavison addressed him.

“Rrowl, should Mac be OK with this, Lieutenant Talon would be reporting directly to you…as part of his punishment. You’ve learned how to react in our society, apparently better than my officer has, and I’d like for your instruction to be memorable. Should we leave for DS9 today, we’ll be arriving in a little under two days at warp five. That should be sufficient time for a lesson to take place, don’t you think?”

The kzinti had never particularly liked Kelsey Gavison when they had originally served together aboard the Discovery, but the tales he had heard about man concerning his behavior since the beginning of the war had tempered that dislike. In limited time aboard the Charon, Rrowl had perceived the darker personality, had touched the names adorning the walls of the mess, had witnessed the iron grip on this crew and the single-minded purpose of their leader.

Now, Gavison had highly commended him, and Rrowl felt his chest swell with pride.

Pride, and more than a little perverse joy at the situation. That kshat, Talon, had been demoted for his lack of discipline; something that probably should have happened long ago. Lucky for him that this was a Federation vessel, lest his life be forfeit. Of course, Rrowl planned to make him wish that it was, and Gavison had just authorized such a thing.

Outwardly, though, the only sign of the kzinti's emotion was a slight twitching of his ears. "Captain, I will be honored to perform this duty. While I have my doubts that two days is enough for a full lesson, I will do my best to make progess on an introduction."

Rrowl was not being sarcastic - a human response that, even now, he was not entriely comfortable with. Instead, the kzinti truly doubted that the undisciplined Lyran officer could possibly learn in two days the level of self control that Rrowl had spent well over a decade perfecting. On one hand, he had despised Talon on sight - the creature was, as a matter of fact, a member of a race that were mortal enemies to Rrowl's own people. On the other, Rrowl felt strangely fulfilled at being designated as a role model, something he had never been called before... at least, not without addendum. Certainly, he's an excellent security officer, and a great warrior, buuuut his temper leaves much to be desired...

Perhaps Rrowl had finally shaken such labels. The thought filled him with a fierce joy that he would have never expected at such a small thing.

"Aye, sir," he rehashed. "I will do my best."

Stardate: 2374.09.07
USS Charon – Talon’s Quarters, Deck Two – 06:00 hours
Talon was awake of course, he was always up early and usually he would have been making rounds, attending to the security schedule, checking in with Tactical. Of course he couldn’t do that now since he had his duties stripped from him.

He still didn’t understand, he had only been doing what he thought was right. He wasn’t mishandling the survivors, they were being shown every courtesy and being scanned and cleared as soon as possible, he didn’t get why everyone seemed to think he had been punishing the Cerebeus crew somehow. Humans, some times you just couldn’t understand how they thought.

Last night Talon had a few drinks and wallow in his own self pity, but this morning he was thinking more clearly and the more he thought about it the more he was determined not to let his side of things go unexplained.

/--\\\\ Chirp! /--\\\\

He turned his head as someone outside his room requested entry. He sat up on his bunk and sniffed the air. It took him all of two seconds to recognize Captain Gavison’s scent. He was wearing that foul smelling Andorian cologne he wore on far too many occasions; no one, not even Talon, had yet to tell him that it smelled like the bottom of a Hupyrian beetle dwelling.

He hit the button, which notified the person outside that he would be a minute. Talon quickly grabbed a clean uniform out of the closet and threw it on. He wanted to look professional even if he didn’t feel like it right now. He didn’t put on the Lyran sash he normally wore; it contained the holster for his phaser which he had surrendered when he was relieved of duty. He didn’t feel it would be right to wear it under the circumstances.

“Come” Talon said and the door opened to admit Captain Gavison. He noticed the Captain did not take the chair that was here for visiting humans; Talon took that to mean this was official business and knew the Captain didn’t want to drag this out.

“Lieutenant Commander Talon,” Kel’s voice was crisp and low, and his lowered brow was accented by the lighting magnifying his dissatisfaction with the officer. “You’ve been charged with insubordination. Do you understand the severity of these charges?”
Standing stiffly at attention the Lyran nodded and answered in a clear voice, “Yes Sir!”

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

“Sir,” Talon began, “I made a spectacle of myself in dealing with Lt. Cmdr Kato 3 and in my reaction to the presence of Lt. Cmdr Rrowl and in so doing I disgraced you Sir. My conduct there I regret and will apologize to all those involved, but I believe that I was following orders in my dealings with the Cerebeus’ survivors and that the charges of insubordination are erroneous and without merit.”

“I’d like to believe that I’ve given you every opportunity under my command, Mister Talon. I’d like to believe that I’ve honored your customs, educated you in mine, and given you nothing but the opportunity to do damage to the Dominion, and serve in an honorable manner. I’ve been open to your suggestions, respected your opinions, and given you leniency in how you handle your departments. It is apparent to me that I’ve been less than the appropriate mentor, as your actions yesterday not only disgraced you, but me as well.

“There’s only one consequence suitable such behavior, Mister Talon. You are hereby reduced to the rank of Lieutenant. Your behavior, and these consequences, will be recorded on your permanent record with Starfleet. Do you understand these consequences, Mister Talon?”
Talon stiffened ever further at the ‘consequences’ the Captain spoke of and he nodded, “Yes Sir!”

Turning, Kelsey paused as the door slid open, his hand on the frame as though it alone kept him from making his way into the hall. Twisting his torso slightly, he looked back over his shoulder, eyeing the Lyran from the corner of his eye, the scarring about it stretching taut.

“One last thing, Lieutenant Talon,” Kel’s voice was as cold as a moon on the dark side of a planet. “While the crew of the Cerberus are on board my vessel, you will report to Lt. Commander Rrowl. As of today, he’ll be taking over the duties of chief officer over TAC and security until we officially deliver the survivors to DS9.”
“Sir!” Talon said before the Captain could leave the room, “I understand your anger sir and your disappointment with my lack of professionalism when dealing with this matter. What I am about to do has no bearing on my respect for you or your command which I hold in the highest esteem despite my recent behavior.”

Talon seemed to steel himself for what he was about to do by taking a deep breath as the Captain looked at him questioningly.

“Sir,” Talon said in a respectful yet firm tone which spoke of his convictions on this matter, “I must formally decline to accept your ‘consequences’ for the charges laid at my door. I must formally state that under Article 17 of the Star Fleet Code of Justice it is my right to request a tribunal review of the charges against me. Under this article I may refuse to accept Captain’s punishment and be referred to a Tribunal at the earliest convenience to review the evidence against me and to substantiate if the charge of insubordination is warranted.”

Talon paused for a moment, his eyes looking over the Captain as if trying to ascertain his response to what he was saying; he continued before the Captain could respond however.

“In such circumstances,” He continued stating law as if he were reading it from the books, “the accused may not be punished but may be confined as the Commanding officer thinks necessary. If the Captain so wishes, I will resign myself to the brig to await the time when a Tribunal may be called to order, which I imagine might not be until our arrival at DS9, if then.”

Talon fell silent and stood at attention still, waiting on the Captain’s response. He knew he was completely within his rights under Star Fleet Law, but he knew he was taking a big risk. The Tribunal could do even more damage to him, even order his death, if the charges of insubordination were confirmed, but he had to take the chance. He believed he was innocent and that all he did was in the performance of his duties and that he was only following orders in regards to the security of the ship.

His chances were not good since a Tribunal would have to be made up of three officers of command rank; the only ones he knew of in this sector were Captains Gavison, MacTavish and Captain Sisko of DS9. While he knew them all to be stern and demanding, he also hoped they would listen to reason and his side of the story and perhaps understand that he was only doing his job.

Now the Lyran stood awaiting the Captain’s next words wondering if he had just alienated what was the one person he respected the most in the entire galaxy.

Stardate: 2374.09.07
USS Charon – Talon’s Quarters, Deck Two – 06:00 hours
“Sir,” Talon said in a respectful yet firm tone which spoke of his convictions on this matter, “I must formally decline to accept your ‘consequences’ for the charges laid at my door. I must formally state that under Article 17 of the Star Fleet Code of Justice it is my right to request a tribunal review of the charges against me. Under this article I may refuse to accept Captain’s punishment and be referred to a Tribunal at the earliest convenience to review the evidence against me and to substantiate if the charge of insubordination is warranted.”

Talon paused for a moment, and Kel matched his gaze in silent receipt of the alien’s claim.

“In such circumstances,” Talon continued stating law as if he were reading it from the books, “the accused may not be punished but may be confined as the Commanding officer thinks necessary. If the Captain so wishes, I will resign myself to the brig to await the time when a Tribunal may be called to order, which I imagine might not be until our arrival at DS9, if then.”

Talon fell silent and stood at attention still. The code that Talon had cited wasn’t verbatim, but it was pretty close. Kelsey could remember reading it over at various times throughout his carrier when he brushed up on Federation/Starfleet law. He had received a report from Fletcher that had stated a direct order had been given to Talon on the Bridge to support Kelsey’s instruction that the Cerberus’ crew be treated with respect, and that the security officer’s interaction with Kato III and Fletcher in the mess hall had been in violation of that order. Kelsey had reviewed the recorded logs, listening to Talon’s orders to Lt. Myers that had ordered him to isolate an ill survivor as a potential threat. The tone of Talon’s voice and the immediacy in which he’d reacted to a MACO’s report that this Mr. Stowbriesky had acted in a cowardly manner had appeared odd to Kel. As near as he could tell there was no reason for concern. Mr. Stowbriesky had been in engineering according to the security reports, but he had been running a diagnostic, and hadn’t touched any of the key systems. Another report from the Romulans (which Kel was less inclined to believe with any accuracy) had the man acting clumsily and misspeaking, both things Kelsey could readily attribute to the illness that now had hold of the man—a person on the verge of a serious illness could experience dizziness, a lack of coordination, and even misspeak. That pending contagion could also account for his confusion when the MACO had ordered him to hold the door. Kelsey had even dismissed the odd position of Stowbriesky’s escape after finding the location of his quarters and realizing that he very well could have been on his way to his quarters when the klaxons sounded.

As near as he could tell there had been no reason to jump down the man’s throat, or to believe him to be a threat. This had made Cmdr. Talon’s response all that much more confusing to Captain Gavison. He’d known Talon for some time, and though the Lyran had a temper that could make Kel’s look calm by comparison, he’d always been a good officer. His promotion through the ranks from Ensign to Lt. Commander had been on board the Charon, a couple of the promotions having taken place in the field to replace a fallen officer—out of necessity. Still, Talon had fought to live up to Kel’s expectations, and despite a stumble here and there, had never disappointed him until then.

Kelsey saw his old self in Cmdr. Fletcher, and he kept the passive man around to help temper his desire to destroy all that the Dominion sought to control. Kel had a lot of respect for Jonathan, and he did not appreciate Talon’s actions. As he stood there looking at the powerful, furry creature before him, he had to admit that his response could have been fueled a little by the presence of Mac and his senior staff. Talon was a trusted officer who’d saved Kel’s life as often as Kel had saved his. Looking at the Lyran standing in the relative darkness of his quarters Kelsey felt a moment of compassion eat through the disappointment and embarrassment.

“You’ll remain confined to your quarters, Mr. Talon. There’s no need for you to confine yourself to the brig.” Kelsey said softly. “I’ll put your request for a tribunal through to Sisko within the hour.

“You do realize that the possible delays a tribunal might cause could remove you from this mission? There are records of some tribunals lasting months, even in the thick of war, and the highest-ranking Starfleet officers in this sector are myself, Sisko, and Captain MacTavish whose sick crewman you practically accused of treason by action if not words.

“The results of a tribunal could mean imprisonment, expulsion from Starfleet, or a transfer from the Charon, Mr. Talon. In the end, my punishments might seem to you to be lenient by comparison, but by then there will be nothing I can do for you. Aboard my ship, Mr. Talon, I can still afford you the benefit of our experiences together, the history we have shared, but behind the desk of a tribunal board I would be forced to act solely as a Starfleet officer reviewing the facts of an act of perceived insubordination and disrespect for a fellow officer. You could not only be facing the charges laid against you by Mr. Fletcher, but Mr. Kato will likely be required to report your less than diplomatic response to his reminder.”

Kelsey stepped back into the room, allowing the door to close behind him and the shadows to engulf his scarred face once more. “I’m not telling you this, Talon, to dissuade you from doing that which you feel is right for you. I’m telling you this so that you can weigh the consequences fully. Within my jurisdiction you will suffer a demotion, and a couple of days of subordinate interaction with a Kzinti—a Kzinti who has more than a few successes within this society—while a tribunal could strip you of all rank, imprison you, or according to the laws of Starfleet at war, even end your life. You are not a stupid man, Talon, and I’d never question your bravery, but right now I’m questioning your line of thinking…just as I did last night.

“Are you sure this is something you want to enact?”

Stardate: 2374.09.07
USS Charon – Talon’s Quarters, Deck Two – 06:02 hours
“You’ll remain confined to your quarters, Mr. Talon. There’s no need for you to confine yourself to the brig.” Kelsey said softly. “I’ll put your request for a tribunal through to Sisko within the hour.

“You do realize that the possible delays a tribunal might cause could remove you from this mission? There are records of some tribunals lasting months, even in the thick of war, and the highest-ranking Starfleet officers in this sector are myself, Sisko, and Captain MacTavish whose sick crewman you practically accused of treason by action if not words.”

“The results of a tribunal could mean imprisonment, expulsion from Starfleet, or a transfer from the Charon, Mr. Talon. In the end, my punishments might seem to you to be lenient by comparison, but by then there will be nothing I can do for you. Aboard my ship, Mr. Talon, I can still afford you the benefit of our experiences together, the history we have shared, but behind the desk of a tribunal board I would be forced to act solely as a Starfleet officer reviewing the facts of an act of perceived insubordination and disrespect for a fellow officer. You could not only be facing the charges laid against you by Mr. Fletcher, but Mr. Kato will likely be required to report your less than diplomatic response to his reminder.”

Kelsey stepped back into the room, allowing the door to close behind him and the shadows to engulf his scarred face once more. “I’m not telling you this, Talon, to dissuade you from doing that which you feel is right for you. I’m telling you this so that you can weigh the consequences fully. Within my jurisdiction you will suffer a demotion, and a couple of days of subordinate interaction with a Kzinti—a Kzinti who has more than a few successes within this society—while a tribunal could strip you of all rank, imprison you, or according to the laws of Starfleet at war, even end your life. You are not a stupid man, Talon, and I’d never question your bravery, but right now I’m questioning your line of thinking…just as I did last night.”

“Are you sure this is something you want to enact?”
Talon listened to everything the Captain said to him. His face impassive showing no emotion as the Captain explained the potential consequences of a tribunal hearing of the charges against him. When Gavison was finished, Talon relaxed his stance a little and looked him straight in the eye.

“Captain,” he began, a hint of emotion in his voice though it wasn’t anger, more like regret, “I understand what you are saying. I respect you sir, more than any other man, human, Lyran, or otherwise. We have fought together side by side through battles we thought we would never survive, and we have saved each other’s lives time and again. You are like a brother to me, and I regret the situation I have placed you in at this time.”

“However,” Talon continued, “I do not believe I have disobeyed any orders given to me by Cmdr Fletcher or yourself. The XO ordered me to treat the survivors with respect, and I believe that I did under the circumstances. I did not imprison anyone, I did not harm anyone, and the short time they were delayed while being screened was only a minor inconvenience at best.”

“I admit that I may have acted rashly with the incident with Crewman Stowbriesky,” he said with a wry smile, “but I don’t believe that a minor inconvenience of being isolated in sickbay is being treated with disrespect. We do it all the time with patients that might be a danger to themselves of the rest of the crew.”

“Maybe,” Talon said with a shrug, “my interpretation of ’respect’ differs from Cmdr Fletcher’s but you know me and my race sir, and we are not known for subtleties when dealing with problems. I was only trying to isolate a potential threat since we are apparently dealing with possible sabotage in the destruction of the Cerebeus. The crewman was not to be harmed and considering his condition from what I have learned now, he no doubt would not even have known of the isolation. If potential threats are not to be acted upon sir, why are we holding the Romulans in a security field separate from the other survivors? They, like crewman Stowbriesky, have not been shown to have done anything wrong, yet!”

“So again sir,” He went on, “I must state; I dont believe I have disobeyed the orders given me by Cmdr Fletcher.”

Talon paused to consider something then continued, “As to the punishment you laid out for me. I do admit I acted impulsively and disrespectfully towards the.. Security Officer of the Cerebeus, and towards Lt. Cmdr Kato 3. When given the chance I will apologize for those transgressions and would even think it acceptable for such actions to be placed in my permanent Star Fleet record. But, I do not believe such actions warrant a demotion or the insufferable indignity I would feel at being placed under the command of one whom you know is an hereditary enemy of my people. How would you feel sir if you were ordered by Star Fleet to obey orders of Romulans? Given your past history, I do not believe you would care for it at all.”

“Speaking for myself sir,” Talon said softly yet the Captain could see his hands clenching at his side so hard that the talons of his fingers were digging into his palms, blood began to drip down his fists and drop to the deck, “I would rather die than be subordinate to any Kzinti.”

Talon straightened himself and unclenched his fists but didn’t seem to notice the blood dripping from his hands. He looked at the Captain and held his chin high as he concluded.

“Since I have no other alternative to avoid the punishment you have decided to levee upon me, then a tribunal is the only possible way I can prove my innocence of the crime of insubordination. No matter how slim the chances might be considering the officers involved in this matter will comprise two thirds of the tribunal.”

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Cargo Bay 2 – 16:00 hours

He hated waste. He hated waiting, but he stood at the edge of the force field unmoving until he lifted his hand to the comlink. The features of his face shifted with his demeanor. He stiffened and his face bore a hardened look. This was no way to be treated, he had given them their chance to rectify the problems, now he would take it in his own hands.

<<-|| Computer, this is Lt. S’Talon D’Mora of the Romulan contingent. I wish to register a formal complaint to Star Fleet for unfair and unsatisfactory treatment.

Point 1: As of 12:40 this day, we were brought aboard the Charon along with other survivors of the Cerberus. At that time, we were isolated and told it was for our own protection. This was understandable considering the circumstances. What is not tolerable is that we were not given access to the same amenities as the Cerberus’s survivors. As of 16:00 we have had no access to food, water, freshers and facilities for natural needs, while the Cerberus personnel have had the benefits of all four.

Point 2: We were told that we had to make all requests to and through a Lt. Kennedy as other Charon personnel were under orders not to communicate with us directly, I asked for our liaison at 14:20, so far he has not arrived and I have no way of knowing if he even got my request.

Point 3: One Star Fleet Lieutenant, I do not know his name, should be commended as he saw that we had no table or chairs and he provided them for us.

End of Complaint, for now.

Computer, I wish copies of this report to go directly to the Captain of the Charon, and the Cerberus for their immediate attention. You will hold this report from being sent to Star Fleet, pending the outcome Starfleet personnel to rectify these shortcomings. <<-||

It was terse and succinct, befitting S’Talon’s mood at this moment. He knew all too well what the Star Fleet people were feeling, but this time it was not the Romulans at the root of their problem, yet they were being treated as if they had, no matter what Lt. Kennedy had said.

Stardate: 2374.09.06 USS Charon – Shuttle Bay 2 – 12:40 hours
The older looking Romulan male nodded to Lt. Kennedy.

“Lt. Abe....? S’Talon had started to address him as most Romulans do, even when addressing a superior, he suddenly added the officer’s last name, something that was not lost on Kennedy. “—Kennedy. I am Lieutenant S’Talon I’Iuruth D’Mora, Second in Command to Centurion Sienae i’Mhiessan Khnialmnae

“I will convey your message to the Centurion when she is returned to us. I would also like to speak to the doctor who examined her. I understand it might take some time before he can do so, but I make the formal request for as soon as it is possible for him to come here.”

Abe raised his eyebrows in polite consideration at the Romulan’s request, “In light of current conditions, I don’t foresee the doctor having much time free in the near future, but I will make sure that the Captain is aware of your request, Lt. S’Talon. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

Stardate: 2374.09.06 USS Charon – Bridge – 14:30 hours
Lt. Kennedy placed the last of the command sequence in order and switched his console view to the environmental systems display. It had been a long day so far, and changing the ship’s systems to accommodate the sudden influx of personnel meant that they had to reroute some power back to key systems that Cmdr. Talon had commandeered for tactical. Water consumption was up by one hundred and seventy-two percent, and power consumption had increased dramatically as well. It was nothing that the Charon couldn’t handle, but they were in hostile territory as far as Captain Gavison was concerned, and that meant that Kennedy had to keep a close eye on the environmental and life support systems to make sure that they were operating on the minimum of resources necessary to get by so as not to impede TAC’s function. Not to mention that since the advent of the rescue, Gavison had sequestered himself away meeting with Mac in private, leaving the bridge to Fletcher and Kennedy (respectively since there was a lot of demand for both men’s attention) to handle First Shift. With Second Shift a couple of hours away and Talon…indisposed, Kennedy knew that either he, or Cmdr. Fletcher, would be pulling a double shift—or both. It wasn’t something he looked forward to, though he’d do so without complaint. He was definitely tired.

As he considered this eventuality a message popped up on his screen. It was from the Ops department: Ensign Seward. Abe raised his brows again as he read it, then shook his head slightly in dismay. He responded immediately with instructions for the Ensign:

Food will be provided at 17:00 hours. The Romulans are not to leave the security of their force field unless it is absolutely necessary. Please coordinate with security to escort those who have need of the facilities to the proper local where they will be allowed a small amount of time to address such concerns before being escorted back.
He’d just authorized Lt. Myers’ aid with the chairs and table. This was a ship of war now, and escorting dignitaries was not something Kennedy had done in some time. Shaking his head, he resigned himself to the reality that no matter the current situation, it looked as though he’d be babysitting.

Stardate: 2374.09.06 USS Charon – Shuttle Bay 2 – 14:40 hours
Frank Seward had presented Crewman Morga with an assignment. It was a simple thing, really, and Crewman Morga was already due to check in on the survivors in Shuttle Bay 2, so he wasn’t really put out by the additional duties. Calmly approaching the secured area of the shuttle bay, the blue-skinned alien met the gaze of the security officers with a calm expression on his smooth face.

“Please keep in mind that should the Romulans have need of facilities to relieve their more base nature, they are to be escorted to the facilities established down the hall. They are to be allotted a five minute timetable for such activities, and may only proceed individually with an escort of four security personnel for each such episode. Oh, and Lt. Kennedy has stated that their dinner shall be provided at 17:00 hours. Thank you.”

Crewman Morga had followed his orders to a tee, and was under no circumstances, going to speak directly to the Romulans. He knew that the security crewman wouldn’t either, and that his voice would have easily have been picked up by the Romulans within the field. It was sufficient to relay the appropriate information while not breaking orders to remain free of contact with the Romulan contingent. As he walked away, he wondered after their botched mission. Surely, the loss of two of their people had been the reason they’d been delayed in making their escape. Something had to of gone wrong in their sabotage making it difficult to regroup, leading these four to be placed in an unfortunate position of capture. It was only diplomatic red tape, as far as Crewman Morga was concerned, that kept Captain Gavison from executing that stuffy lot as soon as possible.

With these opinions kept to himself as a dutiful Starfleet crewman, Morga continued on with his duties, making the rounds to check on each of the Cerberus’ surviving crew, relaying to them that dinner would be served at 17:00 hours, and informing them of the location of the lavatories.

Stardate: 2374.09.06 USS Charon – Bridge – 16:05 hours
The high priority notification flashed over the top of the schedule for meal delivery, causing Lt. Kennedy to tilt his head to the side and frown. A three point complaint had been filed by Lt. S’Talon D’Mora of the Romulan Contingent. Abe displayed the written version of the complaint and slowly started shaking his head. Pompous ass, he thought. Reviewing the recipient list, he smiled. Captain Gavison would already be aware of the Romulan’s complaint. Glacing at the ready room door, Kennedy wondered if the captain would come striding onto the bridge ready for blood, or if he’d be summoned inside. He desperately wished that the captain would give him permission to treat the Romulans as the suspects everyone thought they were, but judiciously held his opinion in check for the time being. There was, of course, the diplomatic way to handle this complaint.

“Cmdr. Fletcher,” Abe turned in his seat so that he faced the XO where the man sat slightly behind him and to the left. “The Romulans have filed a complaint against this ship in relation to the way they’ve been mistreated. With permission, Sir, I’d like leave to visit the Shuttle Bay and deal with this matter directly.”

(OOC: assuming it isn’t denied…if it is, I’ll change the post.)

With a nod, Lt. Kennedy rose from his seat, secured the panels with his security code, and made his way to the turbo lift. From there, he made his way quickly to Shuttle Bay 2, where he proceeded past the security personnel directly inside. Within moments of receiving the complaint the lieutenant was standing a foot from the energy field, hands clasped behind his back, feet shoulder-width apart.

“Centurion,” Lt. Kennedy addressed Sienne, purposefully ignoring Lt. S’Talon now that a superior officer was present. “It is good to see you up and about. Captain Gavison wishes to extend his concern over your condition, and will be reviewing the doctor’s report as soon as it becomes available to see if there isn’t more that needs to be done. However, it is not for this that I find myself drawn from bridge duties.

“It appears that one of your staff have found our accommodations lacking; filing a complaint and thinking it appropriate to request that it be sent directly to Captain Gavison. I’m here to remind you and your staff that all communication is to go directly through me and my staff as Captain Gavison is very busy dealing with the investigation into the destruction of a Starfleet vessel—something, I’m sure you can attach the proper level of priority to even if your staffer cannot.”

Abe allowed his voice to contain just the right amount of ice as he continued in order to enforce his next statements, “We regret the situation that demands such accommodations as you are currently being forced to endure. However, the Charon is not a cruiseline, nor is it a luxury vessel. We are a warship in a situation deserving of every precautionary measure that can be considered to protect all aboard the Charon. I’d heard that you were a militant people, so I expect that you’ll be understanding of what measures we’ve taken and not allow your staff to waste my time, or yours, with additional frivolous complaints. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve duties that require my presence on the bridge.”

That said, Lt. Kennedy raised his brows expectantly and tilted his head forward slightly. “I wish you the most relaxing of evenings. Please enjoy your dinner.”

(OOC: unless he’s given reason to pause…)

Turning sharply on his heel, Kennedy strode from the room to return to the Bridge and his duties there.

Stardate: 2374.09.07
USS Charon – Talon’s Quarters, Deck Two – 06:05 hours
“Since I have no other alternative to avoid the punishment you have decided to levee upon me, then a tribunal is the only possible way I can prove my innocence of the crime of insubordination. No matter how slim the chances might be considering the officers involved in this matter will comprise two thirds of the tribunal.”

Talon’s decision didn’t surprise Kel. The Lyran was notoriously stubborn, and over the years had rarely been dissuaded of something once he’d made his mind up. Kelsey couldn’t overlook the fact that the creature was readily admitting hasty and faulty behavior in consideration the events, and that was a good start, but according to the reports he had on hand, the actions taken in the mess hall could still be classified as insubordinate, at least to some degree.

There was really nothing more to say on the matter. Kelsey had already logged the field demotion, Fletcher had submitted the report…events were underway that were irreversible in Captain Gavison’s mind. There was only one thing left for it.

“Place your request, Mr. Talon,” Kel gave him a nod. “But I cannot have you confined to quarters at this time. We’re understaffed as it is. You are to return to duty as an acting lieutenant. I still plan on asking Captain MacTavish to spare Commander Rrowl for duty aboard the Charon, and I’ll expect you to work with him in that capacity.

“In case you haven’t noticed, we all have to swallow hatreds and work with those we’d thought of as enemies these days. I’ll expect no less from you—as a matter-of-fact, I expect more. We are still determining what happened to the Cerberus, and your skills will be helpful in this investigation. Understood?”

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Bridge – 16:10 hours
With a nod, Lt. Kennedy rose from his seat, secured the panels with his security code, and made his way to the turbo lift. From there, he made his way quickly to Shuttle Bay 2, where he proceeded past the security personnel directly inside. Within moments of receiving the complaint the lieutenant was standing a foot from the energy field, hands clasped behind his back, feet shoulder-width apart.

Before she stands she touches the comlink, "Computer record conversation."

Centurion,” Lt. Kennedy addressed Sienae, purposefully ignoring Lt. S’Talon now that a superior officer was present. “It is good to see you up and about. Captain Gavison wishes to extend his concern over your condition, and will be reviewing the doctor’s report as soon as it becomes available to see if there isn’t more that needs to be done. However, it is not for this that I find myself drawn from bridge duties.
Sienea stands where she is at, but does not approached Lt. Abe Kennedy, leaving a significant distance between them, in the space allotted. Her strange golden eyes swept over the Lieutenant’s figure staring though him like an eagle can for several seconds before gazing directly at him. She returned a salute he never gave.

“As to your statement that Captain Gavison wishes to extend his concern over my condition, I believe my medical condition is between the Dr Nash and myself.” That should have been Lt Kennedy’s first hint that things were not going to go his way.

“It appears that one of your staff have found our accommodations lacking; filing a complaint and thinking it appropriate to request that it be sent directly to Captain Gavison. I’m here to remind you and your staff that all communication is to go directly through me and my staff as Captain Gavison is very busy dealing with the investigation into the destruction of a Starfleet vessel—something, I’m sure you can attach the proper level of priority to even if your staffer cannot.”
“My Second-in-Command,” Sienae starts out as she catches S’Talon watching the proceedings, “did exactly what I ordered to be done,” though she seemed to be speak at a normal level, there was a rigidity to her body language and her words, Kennedy suddenly found that the air between them becoming electrically charged, “and he did so admirably.” With those words, Sienae let Star Fleet know that S’Talon was her second-in-command and that she accepted the responsibility for what he had done and might do.

Abe allowed his voice to contain just the right amount of ice as he continued in order to enforce his next statements, “We regret the situation that demands such accommodations as you are currently being forced to endure. However, the Charon is not a cruise line, nor is it a luxury vessel. We are a warship in a situation deserving of every precautionary measure that can be considered to protect all aboard the Charon. I’d heard that you were a militant people, so I expect that you’ll be understanding of what measures we’ve taken and not allow your staff to waste my time, or yours, with additional frivolous complaints. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve duties that require my presence on the bridge.”
Just like a bird of prey she watched as the Lieutenant thought himself well acquitted, giving him a false sense of security, and of accomplishment........

“That said, Lt. Kennedy raised his brows expectantly and tilted his head forward slightly. “I wish you the most relaxing of evenings. Please enjoy your dinner.” “

....and then she struck

“You are not excused, Lieutenant Abe Kennedy, this matter is not settled. Were we prisoners, I would expect proper treatment as prisoners according to Star Fleet regulations.” She looks at him, when he seems about to speak. "Do I have to quote the sections and regulations tpertaining to the treatment of prisoners to you as well." Sienae’s voice contained a suppressed ire, that even fully controlled and at a distance was enough to melt an icecap.

S’Talon felt it and it was not even directed at him. Shades of her Grandfather, the Senator, who had gained the rank of Fleet Admiral before retiring from the navy and taking up politics.

“However we are NOT prisoners, according your own words we were put here for our own safety, and that you would be our liaison, though it seems you are unable to perform your duties as such."

S'Talon looked up at the ceiling, it was a ploy, it was to hide the tiny flickerings of a smile as Sienae took the Lieutenant and Star Fleet to task.

“So shall we revisit the complaint.” With that said, it told S’Talon that Sienae had not missed a word of his report. Here is where her eidetic memory came into play, that a couple of thousand years of inborn, inbred nobility and command.

(OOC: unless he’s given reason to pause…)
(OOC oh, yes he will be given a reason)

"Point 1: As of 12:40 this day, we were brought aboard the Charon along with other survivors of the Cerberus. At that time, we were isolated and told it was for our own protection. This was understandable considering the circumstances. What is not tolerable is that we were not given access to the same amenities as the Cerberus’s survivors. As of 16:00 we have had no access to food, water, freshers and facilities for natural needs, while the Cerberus personnel have had the benefits of all four.

The Centurion, repeated it word for word as S'Talon had recorded it, her voice controlled. “This matter of equal treatment has not been resolved and I do not think that what we asked for could be misconstrued as a request for luxury accommodations. We did not ask you to turn down our beds, or even ask for room service.”

“As military people we do understand what measures have been taken and my staff acted accordingly, There is NOTHING frivolous about the complaints. We were told when taking this mission that we would be accorded fair and equitable accommodations and that has not been done here-on the Charon. The Cerebus’s Star Fleet crew has access to replicators, freedom to use what facilities they can when they need to. You have cut us off from everything, but what we have with us, the beds, a table and chairs, but no food, no water, and no necessary facilities.

Point 2: We were told that we had to make all requests to and through you. My Second in Command asked for you, for me, at 14:20, and you have just arrived. That situation is not satisfactory at all.

By your own words, you were to be our liaison, and it is evident that no one in this room can speak to us, or even respond non-verbally to us. How were we supposed to get a message to you, when you are absent from your post and your own personnel here did not forward our request that was made for you to come here, almost two hours before you got the complaint. No, let me be fair, 1 hour and 43 minutes, give, or take a few seconds.”

“There would have been no formal complaint, had someone with initiative relayed the message to you in a timely manner." While she said that clearly enough to be heard by the entire room, her eyes raked across any who had the gumption to look over to her while she spoke.

“As for the third point, it is not a complaint, but a commendation for the Star Fleet crewman who saw that we lacked a table and chairs and only had the beds to sit on.”

“I was willing to be reasonable, and understanding. The key word, WAS.” She voice did emphasis that last word.

“As our liaison you must resolve this with me before you leave. You will tell me how you are going to remedy these shortcomings to my satisfaction and by when. My staff deserves that I pursue this here and now, since you are here for now.

As you also stated quite clearly Captain Gavison is very busy dealing with the investigation into the destruction of a Starfleet vessel—something, you CAN be sure I CAN attach the proper level of priority to this situation, and I assure you Lt. S’Talon CAN attach the proper level of priority to what I requested him to do and he did do exactly what I would have done, though I would not have waited 1 hour and forty-three minutes, while Star Fleet personnel had continuous access to what we did not.”

“If Star Fleet has been thrown into such dire straits by taking on the survivors of the Cerberus, and dealing with the loss of the Cerberus and as your Charon crew seems to be incapable of providing a liaison here around the clock, I will offer a solution. Bring an ASRV into the bay and let us stay in. It is at least capable of it providing us with what is needed, within the confines of this force field. From there we can use the radio for messages and be assured that they are relayed through PROPER channels to the proper personnel. If not, I will demand that there be someone here all hours of the day or night. Who knows when one of us will need a drink of water, a medication, or need to use a relief room.”

Mac had butted heads with her and knew something of her tenacity, but he had never experienced the like of which she had turned on Lt. Kennedy.

“Do you understand me, Lt. Kennedy?”

(OOC hmmm what to say and do now She does outrank him.)

Turning sharply on his heel, Kennedy strode from the room to return to the Bridge and his duties there.

(I am reminded of a fragment of a poem changing he to she)

The Eagle

She clasps the crag with crooked hands;
Close to the sun in lonely lands,
Ring'd with the azure world, she stands.

The wrinkled sea beneath her crawls;
She watches from her mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt she falls.

-- Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

Stardate: 2374.09.07
USS Charon – Talon’s Quarters, Deck Two – 06:05 hours
“Place your request, Mr. Talon,” Kel gave him a nod. “But I cannot have you confined to quarters at this time. We’re understaffed as it is. You are to return to duty as an acting lieutenant. I still plan on asking Captain MacTavish to spare Commander Rrowl for duty aboard the Charon, and I’ll expect you to work with him in that capacity.
Talon was ready to protest again, perhaps the Captain could see it on his face. He was ordering him to work for that Kzinti and take orders from him. The demotion and charges he could perhaps overcome with a fair hearing of the circumstances; though while unlikely he had to try. This entire thing was a black mark on his record, one he couldn’t stand; he didn’t expect justice from these officers involved and thought that perhaps he might have to request a change of court since he knew that most of the tribunal would be prejudiced against him in this case. This would have to wait till he filed his formal request at DS9.

This whole thing with the Kzinti would be unbearable and was the supreme example of ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment in his eyes. He was about to protest when the Captain continued:

“In case you haven’t noticed, we all have to swallow hatreds and work with those we’d thought of as enemies these days. I’ll expect no less from you—as a matter-of-fact, I expect more. We are still determining what happened to the Cerberus, and your skills will be helpful in this investigation. Understood?”
Talon’s mouth, open to protest, snapped shut at the Captain’s words. Looking at his superior officer he could see that the working with the Romulans was having it’s toll on the man. It couldn’t be easy to work alongside of those that were responsible for the death of your family. He realized that the Captain was right; he was strong enough to put up with this disgrace. If he was to refuse to follow the Captain’s order at this time, he could kiss goodbye any chance at clearing the insubordination charges from his record.

“I understand sir,” Talon said, “I will log my request later and I will report to Lt. Cmdr Rrowl as ordered. I will follow his instructions sir. I only hope this lowly Lt. can be of assistance.” Gavison could no doubt hear the Lyran’s barely constrained anger at having his side of the incident apparently cast aside without due hearing.

“I assume someone will replace me as Chief of Tactical and Security,’ he said questioningly, “once Lt Cmdr Rrowl has been reassigned and do I get my commbadge and weapon returned to me for duty?”

Lt. Talon stood at attention waiting for any final orders from the Captain; once he left than Talon would return to his cabinet and opening a drawer he removed a small flat container. Carrying it over to the mirror above the sink he opened it and set it on the counter. Reaching up he removed the Lt. Cmdr pip and set it in the container, leaving only the two pips designating a Lt. Snapping the container closed he looked up at himself in the mirror and a low growl began in his throat; it grew louder till Talon roared and then lashed out with his left hand and smashed the mirror into a hundred fragments which fell all over the counter. He looked down at his bleeding paw like hand and grunted, he turned on the water and washed his hands some then wrapped his left hand in a towel and then turned to leave his compartment.

He would stop by Medical to have his injuries tended to and then he would immediately seek out Lt. Cmdr Rrowl. Once he found him, probably through the use of the computer, he would walk up to the Kzinti officer standing at stiff attention he would salute him.

“Lt Talon reporting for duty Sir!” He said stiffly.

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – DOcking Bay – 14:00-16"30 hours

Lt. Rhiana had chosen to lose herself in her newest project. and new sort of cloaking system now susceptible to tachyon particles discovery. It was a interesting concept and require a whole new way of looking at the problems involved.

She looked at the problems of redesigning a cloaking device as if it had never been solved and indeed the flaws in the current system had not been solved at all--improved in many7 ways., especially what they had just been able to accomplished on board the Cerebus but the newest flaw had not been..

Rhiana had several specially designed programs that allowed her to work with totally new concepts. Recombining what is known and use with different combinations that she could test at least theoretically. Shiarrael

She had brainstormed various new ideas listing them all plus the procs and cons. But at this time ruling nothing out yet. Some seemed promising at first conception but later analysis had revealed flaws. However Rhiana was nothing is not tenacious in her thought processes even in this concept state. Brainstorming was something not usually encouraged in Romulan Science, sadly to Rhiana's way of thinking. They tended to stick with what was known and worked to improve that. Wild ideas and speculations were not a part of their way of doing things. Rhiana had found such thinking archaic and stifling. IT was what make her jump from one science to another is hopes of finding a niche for herself.

However after some time she became aware of what was going on about her. Sienae's's voice speaking brought her out of her own thoughts.

There liason was back and Sienae's was on her feet talking to the Star Fleet Lt.. Lt. Abe Kennedy, she remembered his name, and listen in. Sienae was not pleased with the treatment given to then since their arrival. Andis taking the man to tazk for not being available to interface with her.

Well Good for the Centurion. Rhiana had seen the Start Fleet personnel with replicators for food, water and other necessities and they had nothing. The one person who they were allowed to communicate with was not here most of the time.

They were most likely thought by Star Fleet to be the culprits in the destruction of the Cerebus, not that she could rule that out After all their were the two Romulans that had not survived the destruction and she did not know them as well as the other three, Sienae, S'Talon and Shiarrael.

If Start Fleet just used the brains they were given they would realized that the culprit was most likely one of their own. Anything thing that happened bad would bring instant suspicion down on the Romulans as the most likely culprits. Rhiana knew that the success of the crazy mission would help all of the four Romulans that were left. IT would help them all and take pressure off of everyone of them-of course The Federation didn't know about that part of it.

No it is easier to hate the Romulans and make them the scapegoats.

Stardate: 2374.09.06 USS Charon – Shuttle Bay 2 – 16:15 hours
…If Star Fleet has been thrown into such dire straits by taking on the survivors of the Cerberus, and dealing with the loss of the Cerberus and as your Charon crew seems to be incapable of providing a liaison here around the clock, I will offer a solution. Bring an ASRV into the bay and let us stay in. It is at least capable of it providing us with what is needed, within the confines of this force field. From there we can use the radio for messages and be assured that they are relayed through PROPER channels to the proper personnel. If not, I will demand that there be someone here all hours of the day or night. Who knows when one of us will need a drink of water, a medication, or need to use a relief room.”

Mac had butted heads with her and knew something of her tenacity, but he had never experienced the like of which she had turned on Lt. Kennedy.

“Do you understand me, Lt. Kennedy?”

Lt. Kennedy smiled cordially. “Centurion, I’m afraid that I understand you only all too well. However, I’m afraid you don’t understand me—which, under the circumstances I suppose I’ll have to be forgiving. Perhaps the litanies of drugs that have recently been poured into your system have confounded your reasoning. Rest assured that I’ll deliver your sentiments to the captain directly. I will make most certain that Captain Gavison is fully aware of your position, your suppositions, and your demands. I’m positive he’ll be more than happy to address them.”

Kennedy kept the smile on his face for he was truly happy with the turn of events. He hadn’t wanted to deal with the Romulans in the first place, and now, with the self-assured centurion’s actions, he’d likely be free of those duties to focus on those that mattered. He was sure as to what Gavison’s response would be, and was only sad that he wouldn’t have the opportunity to witness it first hand.

Without another word, not even if readdressed by the centurion or any of her crew, Abe turns and leaves the shuttle bay. He knew right where to find Gavison, but he had one last thing to do on the way.

“Computer, restrict all communication from the Romulans through onboard systems. Enact security protocol Talon Alpha-One-Alpha-Five-Zeta immediately.” That particular security protocol put the Romulans in complete lock down. The computer would be completely unresponsive. It was something Talon had established as a precaution, and the last thing Kennedy wanted was Gavison, or MacTavish, bothered by complaints and rhetoric from the very people suspected of destroying the …at least, that’s how he viewed things. He had worked to make sure they were secured, offered the pretense of providing them protection from possible malcontents (though he honestly believed that the forcefield was doing just that), and had them informed of the schedule, but they had to push his buttons.

“Demands…,” Abe chuckled as he boarded the turbo lift. With a slight shake of his head, Kennedy directed the computer to take him to the Bridge.

Stardate: 2374.09.06 USS Charon – Bridge – 16:30 hours
Captain Gavison turned his attention from MacTavish as the door chirped. They’d been discussing the latest reports from Science and Engineering, and the more Kel reviewed, the more he was becoming convinced that the Tal Shiar and the Romulans had something to do with the destruction of Mac’s ship, and the deaths of so many people.

“Come,” the captain intoned, perhaps a little frustrated.

Lt. Kennedy stepped inside and offered both men a salute.

“What is it, Mr. Kennedy?”

“Sir, you’ll find—the both of you—a complaint from Lt. S’Talon of the Romulan contingent pertaining to their feelings about the accommodations we’ve established for them.”

“Deal with it.” Kel turned back to the PADD intent on returning to his conversation with Jack.

“I attempted to, Sir.” Something in Kennedy’s tone caused Kelsey to turn back and study the Ops officer’s face. There was a rather mischievous twinkle to the man’s eye.

“And?”

“And the Centurion proceeded to try and throw her weight around. She apparently ordered the complaint placed, Sir.”

Kelsey immediately felt his temper flare. “What about their accommodations is unsatisfactory, Lieutenant?” he asked through clenched teeth.

“I’ve placed them on a schedule for use of toilet facilities, under escort. I’ve instructed them that they’ll have meals delivered at established times. I’ve restricted their interaction with personnel to just me. When first sectioned off, their space was apparently lacking in furnishings—something that was remedied by Lt. Myer’s with my permission.

“They believe that they should have the same amenities as Starfleet personnel, Sir.”

Kel’s nostrils flared as he considered the pomposity of their expectations. “And how did you attempt to handle the situation, Lieutenant?”

“I informed the Centurion that I would remain their liaison, and that due to my duties I would respond to their summons when I was able. I also informed them that they were receiving the best treatment the Charon could offer at the moment. That’s when the Centurion proceeded to threaten and demand. Not, mind you, Sir, in a loud and flagrant manner, but rather as a member of a higher caste would address an underling. At the end of her tirade, I informed her that I’d let you know her sentiments, and proceeded directly here to do just that.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kennedy,” Kel slowly rose from his seat. “You are dismissed.”

Lt. Kennedy saluted once more and turned from the room, leaving Kelsey and MacTavish alone again.

“Jack,” Kel’s voice was a tightly wound spring. “How you managed not to airlock these…HIjol I’ll never know.

“Everything that’s been discovered thus far shows nanite involvement in your ship’s destruction, nanites with a short operational lifespan, that had to be delivered almost directly into the core systems—the fact that two of the Romulans were in main engineering the morning of the incident—All evidence points towards the Romulans. You saw the report from your own doctor: that centurion is damaged, and the Romulaan empire usually retires those in such condition as unfit to lead. Why send someone like that on a mission of sabotage if not to provide her with an ‘honorable’ way to die?

I’ll invite you to join me for this, Mac, but they’re on my ship, they’re under my law.”

With Mac in tow, or not, Kelsey makes his way onto the bridge and to the turbo lift. Once inside, he taps his commbadge.

“Lt. Cmdr. Rrowl, Lt. Talon, assemble a security contingent and meet me in Shuttle Bay 2 immediately.”

Slipping his phaser from his belt holster, Kelsey adjusted the settings to maximum, his face flushed with blood from the anger boiling up inside. He’d received the medical report from Lt. Hash alongside Mac earlier that afternoon, and the condition of the woman raised all sorts of concerns. Kelsey had fought Romulans most of his Starfleet career. He knew how they thought, knew their tactics, and he’d been very successful in coming out the victor in every encounter due to this insight. Now, as the turbo lift took them towards the pending confrontation, Kelsey considered the possibilities:

The centurion could possibly be in the dark concerning the real mission—it was no secret that certain members of the Romulan government were still opposed to siding with the Federation, and if the centurion were troublesome, they could have placed her on board the Cerberus with the intent to have her destroyed with the ship, her name forever sullied—or repaired—for whatever political result they were after. That meant that there was the possibility any of her command staff would be involved in the conspiracy, most likely one with direct authority that couldn’t easily be countermanded. In Kel’s mind, this pointed to the Lieutenant, S’Talon. If the centurion hadn’t been aware of the saboteur’s intent that made the most sense. Of course, there was always the possibility that the saboteur was acting alone, and he’d been instructed to go down with the ship to save himself any possible repercussions, and spare the party that had ordered the act the embarrassment of being outed. Then there was the possibility that the two in engineering had been given something they thought would help with the cloaking device, which really contained the nanites, and unbeknownst to them had started the countdown to their demise. There were so many possibilities, and all of them pointed to Romulan fault.

Security protocol meant that they had to put each of the possible suspects in relative solitude until a tribunal could be held. With the delicate relationship between the Federation and the Romulan Empire, Kel had held out until he had more proof. Proof Science and Engineering had provided with their latest research.

In the hall outside of Shuttle Bay 2, Kelsey was met by the security retinue he’d requested. Striding into the room he went straight to the force field.

“Centurion Sienae,” he said in a gravel-filled voice, the phaser held at his side. “You and your team will accompany us to the brig. You are being arrested on the suspicion of sabotage against the Starfleet starship Cerberus that resulted in the deaths of Federation and Starfleet personnel—I would suggest that you remain deathly silent, Centurion. I’ve no patience for those who kill my people, and I’ve already determined that should you step one iota out of line I will be the judge, jury, and executioner.”

Lifting the phaser so that it pointed straight at Sienae, Kel gave the order, “Drop the force field. Lt. Commander Rrowl, please see to it that the Romulans are safely stowed in my brig. Should they attempt to speak to anyone until their trial, you have my permission to end it.” He purposefully left the “it” ambiguous.

(OOC: any argument from the Romulans will result in Kel shooting. He’s that pissed, and as far as he’s concerned, a report could easily state that the Romulans were burned up in the disaster—besides, he hasn’t really abided by the rules of fair play in some time. Don’t worry thought, he intends to deliver the Romulans to Captain Sisko on DS9 where he expects them to be carted off to a Federation station for the trial. However, intentions change when a man already on the end is pushed. Sienae will hopefully realize just how unlike Mac, Kel is…I hope.)

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Shuttle Bay 2 – 16:17 hours
In the hall outside of Shuttle Bay 2, Kelsey met by the security team he had requested. Striding into the room he went straight to the force field.
Sienae stood as the group enters, She gives a quick look to S’Talon and then she quickly picks out MacTavish . She turned her golden bronze eyes on Captain MacTavish and offered him a look of profound sympathy that convey with it a wave of emotion that said, ~~I understand your lost.~~ Sienae did mean it sincerely having recently suffered lost not only friends and fellow officers, but her mother who was the Captain of the giant Warbird Balak.

(This is a empathic projection, MacTavish and anyone not trained to block such will feel it. Whether or not they acknowledge it or believe it is another matter.)

Her eyes went back to the other, who must be the Captain of the Charon, as he approached the force field, there was tenseness to his body and a terse twist to his mouth. Keeping to protocol she saluted.

“Centurion Sienae,” The angry officer said in a rough voice, a phaser held at his side. “You and your team will accompany us to the brig. You are being arrested on the suspicion of sabotage against the Star Fleet Starship Cerberus that resulted in the deaths of Federation and Starfleet personnel—I would suggest that you remain deathly silent, Centurion. I’ve no patience for those who kill my people, and I’ve already determined that should you step one iota out of line I will be the judge, jury, and executioner.”

Lifting the phaser so that it pointed straight at Sienae, Kel gave the order, “Drop the force field. Lt. Commander Rrowl, please see to it that the Romulans are safely stowed in my brig. Should they attempt to speak to anyone until their trial, you have my permission to end it.” He purposefully left the “it” ambiguous.
Sienae expected that they would be charged, what she did not expect was the venomousness of Captain Gavison. She met him eye-to-eye, unwavering, unblinking, and very self-controlled, something most Romulans were not noted for. There was a look for him, different from MacTavish’s, for doughy Scott had earned her respect.

Sienae expected better, it showed in her eyes and with her gaze wnet a wave of emotion. ~~Disappointment and disillusionment.~~

When she did break eye contact she did so purposefully, snapping her eyes away. She turned to look at her remaining team, it was there in her eyes and in the way she had of expressing herself without speaking, then she gestured for them to rise. ~~Comply without question.~~

Seeing Shiarrael still in a healing trance, Sienae moves to her cot. One does not shake a person out of a state of meditation. Estimating just where the others were and blocking them from the sight of Shiarrael, Sienae placed her hand with fingers spread on the side of her face and opened contact with the meditating woman.

~~Wake and do not speak~~

Sienae keeps her hand there until Shiarrael comes out of her trance. ~~Do NOT speak,~~ she adds before removing her hand. She hoped Shiarrael would get the message.

Stardate: 2374.09.06
USS Charon – Shuttle Bay 2 – 16:17 hours

Wake up was not the slow process it normally was and a little voice telling her to not speak was not normal either. Shiarrael will open her eyes and see the centurion standing next to her with her hand on Shiarrel’s face. Not moving a muscle she will look at the Centurion with a question in her eyes of “What is going on?”

As Sienae steps back Shiarrael will see that the others are also standing up, as well as some hostile new comers holding phasers, all pointed at each of them. Not saying a word she will put back on her boots and over shirt. Thinking ( Looks like the they will get its wish after all. I wonder how the Federation would react if it found out they were doing the dirty work for the Tal Shiar. Damm I hate this, there is no way I can protest this and being framed for destroying a ship to boot.) Standing up and walking a bit stiffly, she will join the rest of the diminished group.

Sharon Shuttle Bay 2 1618

The appearance of their liaison had drawn Lt. Rhiana's attention when the Centurion began to speak to him. However he did not answer her questions and after a few words more turned and walked out. Hopefully he would do something about if even if he didn't say anything.

"So be it." Lt. Rhiana thought for a moment and then put her head down and and became immersed in her newest project though without a PADD to work on she had to use just her mental prowess which were considerable. Her focus on it made it easy to not think about being hungry or thirsty. It also meant she missed the entrance of security crewmen and the two Captains to Shuttle Bay and making their way over to where the force field was.

The rather terse voice made her lift her head up and take notice of what he was saying.

However when she saw him lift up his Phaser and aim it directly at the Centurion she stood up and moved over to where S'Talon and Sienae stood.

Rhiana glanced over at Shiarrael who still seems lost in meditation. She was about to go over and rouse Shiarrael out of her trance, but the Centurion moved over to do it first. Rhiana saw Shiarrael come up out of her trance and look around trying to figure out what was going on.

Rhiana's face showed her disgust at this whole business. Stupid Star Fleet they should know it wasn't them, well this four that had donw anything to their blessed ship. Just because they would be the first ones to be suspected of it. They were of course the perfect shi'zak. (the Romulan equivalent of scapegoats.

The Star Fleet personnel were po-shats. Look at this Captain standing there with a phaser on them and they were totally without weapons, Maybe he was one of those cowboys she had read about, though they seemed to be more fiction than fact. They were supposed to have gone around shooting at just anybody or anything, for no good reason. He had a Security team to do the job so he should have just let them do it.

Must be a personal vendetta and that would not be good for us and truths may be over looked to serve his own desires.

Rhiana had had such high hopes of working with Federation scientists. A chance to collaborate with them to work together for a common goal. But it didn't look like it now. She even wondered if she would even make it to Deep Space Nine alive.

That anger-filled Captain looked like he would shoot them at the least provocation. Rhiana keep a wary eye on him.